how do i get my Sea Panther to start without easy start when cold?

[Justin Palmer]

Hi all,
i have a Freeman with a single sea panther unit. The engine is in good condition for its age and has been refitted.
However, inherant in these wonderful motors, is the fact they have no complex electrical system,..great around salt water. However, this means they have no pre-ignition heater plugs to warm the engine prior to starting.
Can i make starting easier when cold?
can i somehow pre-heat the fuel?
Can i fit a bigger, beefier starter motor? if so, which one?
or is the answer simply more batteries and keep up the easy start?
i am happy to pay a sensible mechanic if one can be found near Falmouth, however all the marine engineers i have spoken to, imediately say..get a new engine! is this realy my only option? the engine realy is in very good nick for its age,..rather like myself..lol.

 

[PCUK]

Fit a CAV Thermostart (not thermostat - Thermostart with an extra 'R'). Fitted to early Perkins, Bedford etc. Fits in the inlet manifold but works equally well fitted into the air filter housing. Loads of info' on Google.

 

[Latestarter1]

Fit a CAV Thermostart (not thermostat - Thermostart with an extra 'R'). Fitted to early Perkins, Bedford etc. Fits in the inlet manifold but works equally well fitted into the air filter housing. Loads of info' on Google.

CAV Thermostart was was standard fitting on Sea Panther, could be that that it has simply burned out.

Question for OP is this an early 24 volt version of the motor?

 

[omega2]

Take the wifes hair dryer and breath hot air into the inlet manifold, difficult if on your own, but it does work.

 

[PCUK]

CAV Thermostart was was standard fitting on Sea Panther, could be that that it has simply burned out.

Question for OP is this an early 24 volt version of the motor?

Problem solved then. Fit a new one!

 

[macnorton]

Fit a CAV Thermostart (not thermostat - Thermostart with an extra 'R'). Fitted to early Perkins, Bedford etc. Fits in the inlet manifold but works equally well fitted into the air filter housing. Loads of info' on Google.

+1

 

[Latestarter1]

Justin,

You need to troubleshoot your Thermostart.

#1 Check that element glows when your ignition switch is in pre-heat.

#2 Check fuel supply, there is a small reservoir fed from the leak off ensure you have fuel supply to the Thermostart.

When you hold key in pre-heat position flames should start coming from the Thermostart, best to take air cleaner off both to see the device working and on SeaPanther you can set fire to air cleaner if engine not being cranked drawing flame into the inlet tract.

24 volt engines were far better starters than later 12 volt engines.